Sr. Software Engineer, Modeling & Simulation
Senior software engineer on the ATLAS team building Modeling & Simulation software for U.S. Space Force space domain awareness — modeling launch/orbital events, ephemeris generation, and data workflows. Day to day is Python/Java development, containerizing tools with Docker, and integrating simulation pipelines, on-site in Colorado Springs.
- Compensation
- $140K–$170K / yr
- Location
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Senior
- Employment
- Full time
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Category
- Software engineering
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's degree + 4 years relevant experience, graduate degree + 2 years, or 8+ years professional experience in lieu of a degree
- Professional experience developing M&S or physics-based simulation systems
- Hands-on software engineering experience with Python, Java, or similar languages
- Understanding of astrodynamics fundamentals: orbital propagation, ephemeris generation, event modeling
- Experience integrating data sources and building workflow-based simulation pipelines
- Ability to collaborate closely with engineers, testers, and product stakeholders
- Experience with containerization, including Docker or OCI-compliant systems
- Familiarity with ATLAS GraphQL APIs or similar data querying patterns
- DoD 8570 compliant (IAT Level II)
- Possess or ability to obtain a Secret clearance, at minimum
- On-site in Colorado Springs, CO with ~10% quarterly travel to Vandenberg SFB for integration and test events
Nice to have
- CompTIA Security+ certification
- Background in space operations, SDA systems, or orbital M&S tools
Full description
Who is Trace3?
Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.
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Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.
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JOB SUMMARY:
Join the team to support mission critical space domain awareness (SDA) capabilities that directly serve the U.S. Space Force. In this role, you will develop core Modeling & Simulation (M&S) software used to model and simulate launch and orbital events, vehicle behaviors, and observation generation within the ATLAS architecture.
This position is ideal for an engineer with experience in astrodynamics, physics-based modeling, or M&S system development who wants to shape next generation operational tools. You will work closely with experienced ATLAS engineers to translate established orbital event generation concepts into new production M&S code, containerize key supporting tools, integrate workflow components, and ensure accurate ingestion and generation of mission data. This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful national security problems while contributing directly to real world operational software.